Vitamin D may Help Prevent Depression, Pain in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study examines how vitamin D may help to decrease pain in women suffering from type 2 diabetes-a glucose disorder that's often associated with depression and pain.

Researchers tested the efficacy of weekly vitamin D2 supplementation for a six month period regarding depression in women with type 2 diabetes. Their findings showed that depression significantly improved following supplementation.

Findings also revealed that there was a significant decrease in neuropathic and sensory pain at three to six months following the vitamin D2 supplementation.

"Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression," said Todd Doyle, PhD, lead author and fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM), via a press release. "While further research is needed, D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes."

"Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes," said Sue Penckofer, PhD, RN, study co-author and professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. "This NIH grant will allow us to shed greater light on understanding the role that this nutrient plays in managing the health of women with diabetes."

More information regarding the study was presented an the Oct. 24, 2013 research conference at Loyola's Health Sciences Campus.